Pfau joins Gateway Grizzlies

Pfau joins Gateway Grizzlies

Pfau, the former Lincoln Blue Tiger, was selected by the Gateway Grizzlies in the Frontier League Draft on Tuesday and then signed to a contract Thursday.

"Chris showed a lot of promise these last two days," Grizzlies manager Phil Warren said, referring to the team's preseason camp. "He has the chance to collect a spot on our pitching staff."

Pfau, whose college career ended following the 2012 season, was a three-time all-conference performer for Lincoln. His senior year, he was a first-team All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association selection as a utility player. That year, he led the team in wins (five), strikeouts (56), ERA (5.17) and opponent's batting average (.265). At the plate, he led the Blue Tigers in average (.333), hits (51), doubles (seven), triples (three) and RBI (21).

He was a second-team all-MIAA performer as a junior and a second-team All-Heartland Conference performer as a sophomore.

Gateway, a member of the independent Frontier League, begins its season May 7 at the Southern Illinois Miners, the first of four preseason games. The Grizzlies' home opener is May 21 when they take on the Joliet Slammers at GCS Ballpark in Sauget, Ill.